Helicopter crashes in eastern Iowa

A crop-dusting helicopter went down in an Iowa field moments after it took off.

Vinton, Iowa Police reported the helicopter had just been refueled when it took off from Farm Service in Vinton. The aircraft reportedly experienced engine problems during takeoff.

Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated the tail boom of the aircraft was severed during liftoff, forcing the pilot to land in a field. The preliminary incident report said the helicopter sustained “substantial” damage.

WHO-TV reported witnesses said the helicopter appeared to lose power just before it went down.